2013 NFL Mock Draft: Third Edition
The 2013 NFL Draft is less than one week away and even though the Kansas City Chiefs appeared to be “locked in” at No. 1 with Luke Joeckel—there’s no telling what to expect with the other 31 remaining picks.
This year’s draft seems to be different from others considering there’s no telling what to expect in the top 10. At this point, players like Sharrif Floyd, Dion Jordan, and Geno Smith all seem worthy of being selected early in the first round—it’s just a matter of which team decides to take a chance on them.
When looking at Smith, there are plenty of teams in the first round such as the Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, and Buffalo Bills that cold easily draft him in the fist round. Even Matt Barkley seems worthy of being selected in the first round considering he arguably would have been a top-five pick if he didn’t return to school for his senior season.
There’s no telling what to expect from this year’s draft other than the fact that Thursday should be an exciting night for the teams and players involved. From the perspective of a sports fan, the NFL draft is one of the most exciting nights of the year and it will be interesting to see who ends up where.
Here’s a look at the third edition of the 2013 NFL Mock Draft brought to you by Rant Sports—with Joeckel going No. 1 to the Chiefs once again.
1. Kansas City Chiefs: Texas A&M OT Luke Joeckel
Have to protect new quarterback Alex Smith.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars:Florida DT Sharrif Floyd
Defense ranked near the bottom of the league last year.
3. Oakland Raiders: Oregon DE Dion Jordan
No need for drafting a quarterback with Matt Flynn.
4. Philadelphia Eagles: West Virginia QB Geno Smith
Michael Vick is too fragile--need a QB for Chip Kelly's offense.
5. Detroit Lions: Central Michigan OT Eric Fisher
Need to protect Matthew Stafford as best as possible.
6. Cleveland Browns: Alabama CB Dee Milliner
A great cornerback to play alongside Joe Haden.
7. Arizona Cardinals: BYU DE Ezekial Ansah
A quarterback can wait--they need help on defense.
8. Buffalo Bills: USC QB Matt Barkley
Kevin Kolb is not the answer at quarterback--Barkley is a steal here.
9. New York Jets: Utah DT Star Lotulelei
Need to get defense back near the top of the league.
10. Tennessee Titans: Georgia OLB Jarvis Jones
Defense should be main focus to stop high powered offenses in AFC South.
11. San Diego Chargers: Oklahoma OT Lane Johnson
Philip Rivers' protection is top priority after last season.
12. Miami Dolphins: North Carolina G Jonathan Cooper
The team is invested in Ryan Tannehill--now they must protect him.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Washington CB Desmond Trufant
The passing defense was horrendous last year--so that needs to be a first-round priority.
14. Carolina Panthers: Missouri DT Sheldon Richardson
The passing defense was horrendous last year--so that needs to be a first-round priority.
15. New Orleans Saints: LSU OLB Barkevious Mingo
The defense ranked near the bottom of the NFL last year.
16. St. Louis Rams: West Virginia WR Tavon Austin
This team could use an effective wide receiver for Sam Bradford.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tennessee WR Cordarrelle Patterson
They lost Mike Wallace--need to fill that gap as soon as possible.
18. Dallas Cowboys: Alabama OT DJ Fluker
They paid Tony Romo top dollar--now it's time to protect the quarterback.
19. New York Giants: Alabama OG Chance Warmack
One of the best guards in this year's draft class.
20. Chicago Bears: Florida State CB Xavier Rhodes
A team known for their defense, a great cornerback this late in the round.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Florida S Matt Elam
Safety is a big need and their defense is on the rise over the last two seasons.
22. St. Louis Rams: LSU S Eric Reid
They already selected a wide receiver, now the focus is on a much needed safety.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Georgia LB Alec Ogletree
They made a surprise playoff run last year--now it's time to add more defenders.
24. Indianapolis Colts: UCLA DE Datone Jones
This team needs a replacement for Dwight Freeney.
25. Minnesota Vikings: Clemson WR DeAndre Hopkins
No more Percy Harvin--they could use another wide receiver even if they did sign Greg Jennings.
26. Green Bay Packers: Ohio State DT Johnathan Hankins
The offense is already stacked enough--so defense is a top priority.
27. Houston Texans: California WR Keenan Allen
This team needs a solid No. 2 wide receiver alongside Andre Johnson.
28. Denver Broncos: Florida State DE Bjoern Werner
Elvis Dumervil is gone--so defense needs to be another priority.
29. New England Patriots: Purdue DT Kawaan Short
Defense always seems to be a team need in the draft--so a no brainer here.
30. Atlanta Falcons: Boise State CB Jamar Taylor
Defense always seems to be a team need in the draft--so a no brainer here.
31. San Francisco 49ers: Texas A&M DE Damontre Moore
A great pass rusher for a defense that experienced tons of injuries in 2012.
32. Baltimore Ravens: Alabama DT Jesse Williams
Plenty of defensive positions that need replacements.
